Thinking of moon-clipping my 629

[Sam1911]

Hi!

I'm seriously considering having my S&W 629 cut for moon clips. Has anyone here had this done (specifically with a .44, .38 or other rimmed case) and how do you like it? Who did the work, what did it cost, what loaders/unloader did you get and which/whose clips?

I watch guys shoot 625s and 610s all the time and they're blazing fast on the reloads. How well does the rimmed case work with the clips, compared to the rimless ones the concept was designed for?

Many thanks!

-Sam

 

[DragonFire]

I just had a 386 Mountain gun milled for moonclips by Tom at TKCustoms. It cost about $100 and took 4 weeks. Since there are few speedloaders for 7-shot revolvers, I felt moonclips was the way to go.

I have several revolvers that use moonclips: 610, 625, 646, 940, and 2 627's. The 627's are both 8 shot .357 magnums. The 357's don't reload as fast or as easy as the 45's or even the 10mm's. The longer cases wobble a bit more, and having 8 rounds instead of 6 means a bit more lining up is needed. I've also found that the moonclips for .357's are a bit more finicky on what type cases they like.

However, once I had my revolver set up with the right moonclips and the right cases, and after a little practice, I think I am faster with them then I am with regular speedloaders, and at least as fast as reloading a semi-auto.

I like Ranch moonclips. Resonably priced, good quality.

 

[Sam1911]

Awesome!

Thanks for the suggestions!

I generally use .44 Spc. brass for my competition loads but I've heard some guys will go to .44 Russian which is, IIRC, nearly the same length as a .45ACP, and that might make for a very fast reload. But, then again, it might be harder to make the appropriate power factor with that brass.

Anyway, thanks!

-Sam

 

[Chuck Perry]

Go to TK's website and read up on the conversions. The other poster mentioned the clips being finicky. Going by TK's info, it seems that certain brands of brass work better than others, in regards to the clips retaining hold of the cases. Some brands of brass are unusable. And, the 44 Mag clips are a good bit pricier than their 45ACP cousins. Something to keep in mind.

 

[Jim K]

The main brass factor is the groove under the rim. Most brass has a shallow groove there (it is used in manufacturing the case) but not all does. But it is neither as wide or as deep as the extraction cannalure on a case designed for an auto pistol and the moon clip will not grip as well.

If you are patient, you can chuck the cases in a lathe and deepen the groove (not too much or you will weaken the case) but then some moon clips will fit too loosely.

Jim